The sad fact is that the Democratic and Republican parties in our state have been bought by large corporate interests through campaign donations and lobbying. In his article "Two-Faced Democrats" (February 24), Lance Tapley describes how both parties in our state adhere to the concept of trickle-down economics, which states that "if we give money to the rich and their corporations, they will dribble down benefits to working people, for the well-off are the 'job creators', as the GOP cliché has it." Worldwide, the concept of trickle-down and austerity for the 99 percent has led to further devastation in our current global economic depression (see Greece's current crash into poverty and protests against further austerity measures).

With both parties voting for tax cuts for the rich and tax loopholes for corporations, while at the same time cutting social services for the poor, our economy will continue to slump and the people of Maine will only suffer. The campaigns of elected officials are often paid for by large and vastly wealthy private interests. When the goal of a politician is to be continually elected, the politician will support legislation which will ensure continued support from their largest donors. People in Maine and across the US need to elect representatives who do not accept large donations, who adhere to clean elections, who disclose all of their donors, and who reject superPACs, regardless of political party.

Elephant in the Room Platoons of state Republicans, energized by Scott Brown's stunning victory over Democrat Martha Coakley last week, are setting their sights on November.

Might as well jump Last Thursday, Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island — the last of his legendary clan in Congress — announced that he will not run for re-election.

Library woes In an attempt to save four Boston Public Library branches that are slated to close due to budget shortfalls, some state legislators from Boston have threatened to block all state funding the library receives if it shutters any of its 26 branches.

Poor WGME As the gubernatorial primary date inches closer, we’re starting to see more and more TV ads showing would-be governors touting themselves and their qualifications for the job.

A shot at progressive reform With their sizeable majorities, the Democrats' reconquest of the Maine House and Senate could lead to a rebirth of progressive politics in the state — to reforms in health care, taxes, social services, and other issues.

DONE WAITING FOR PATIENT SAFETY | March 07, 2013 As an employee in downtown Portland as well as a resident, I've been exposed to a climate of escalating hostility surrounding the entrance to the Planned Parenthood of Northern New England offices.